From Gears of War to Boom Blox: News roundup 21st July

Gears of War won’t be embracing Project Natal according to creator Cliff Bleszinski in today’s news roundup. Also, more details confirmed for Beatles Rock Band and a Boom Blox sequel could appear on other formats.

Gears of War Won’t Use Project Natal

Microsoft’s Project Natal won’t be replacing traditional gaming according to Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski. Discussing Gears of War and Project Natal he said “if there's any future Gears products, it's not the kind of thing you tag onto a game like that, right?”

Bleszinski went on to praise the accuracy and potential of Project Natal, but said “Will it replace traditional gaming? No, but it's another amazing way that we can expand the gaming experience to a wider audience and enhance what's already there”. Although Gears of War may not embrace Project Natal, other big names currently are. Halo: Reach may be Natal-enabled, while the next instalment in the No More Heroes series may use Project Natal on the Xbox 360. [MajorNelson]

New Songs and Details Revealed For Beatles Rock Band

Harmonix have revealed more details regarding Beatles Rock Band. 8 more songs have been confirmed, including Yellow submarine, Within me without you, Revolution, and Sgt. Peppers lonely hearts club band, bringing the total of confirmed songs to 15. Harmonix shared more information about the three part vocal harmonies, allowing three people to take a mic at once.

In a first for the series up to three different colored lines run across the vocal tracks, requiring each person to sing their designated part, creating the harmony effect the Beatles are famous for. Anyone not up to scratch can try the vocal practice mode, allowing you to isolate and practice a specific point in the song. If you can’t sing to begin with then this isn’t likely you to do you much good, but helpful nonetheless. [1UP]

Boom Blox Sequel Could Come To Other Formats

Boom Blox is considered one of the best third party games on the Wii, and with two games already out, a third seems entirely possible. Head of EA Bright Light Harvey Elliott announced in regards to a sequel “I wouldn't say never. I really wouldn't. We've really enjoyed making it. This one does have a lot of new features over the last one. I'd want there to be a step again. I want to make sure that what we do steps it up again”.

Boom Blox is currently exclusive to the Wii, but likely to appear on other formats, despite what EA say. “Why I think Boom Blox has really worked is that it captured the spirit of the Wii” said Elliot. “It's about the motion control, it's about throwing a ball or throwing an object. I can't imagine that on other devices at the moment”. He also goes on to add "never say never". Considering the PS3 and Xbox 360 are getting motion control in the near future Boom Blox appearing elsewhere hardly seems outside the realms of possibility. [VideoGamer]